Dot Jones
Encyclopedia
Dorothy-Marie "Dot" Jones (born January 4, 1964) is an athlete and actress who has had multiple roles in television
. She attended California State University, Fresno
, where she set records for shot put
. Jones is also a 15-time world arm wrestling
champion. She currently has a recurring role on the musical, Glee
, as Shannon Beiste, for which she was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards.
and was raised in Hilmar
. She first got involved in strength competitions at a fairly young age. She started track in middle school, then experienced a huge growth spurt over nine months. The sudden addition of seven inches to her height weakened her back, so she started lifting weights to strengthen it. While she attended Hilmar High School, she was a champion weight lifter and named female athlete of the year. She started arm wrestling on a whim, and won her first arm wrestling world championship at 19 years old and went on to win 14 more.
After high school, Jones attended Modesto Junior College
and Fresno State, where she continued her involvement with sports. She earned a scholarship in track which paid her way through junior college and university. She played softball
and competed in shot put
and powerlifting
. She won All-America
honors in shot put both at junior college and university, was state champion in 1983 and 1984 and set the national record at the junior college level from 1983 to 1990. Jones qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1988 for shot put with a 56 foot throw, surpassing the qualifying mark of 55 ft (16.8 m). She finished sixth. During her sporting career, she suffered 11 knee injuries, bringing her height of down to . A knee replacement surgery gave her lost inch back. After college, Jones worked as a youth counselor at the Fresno County Juvenile Probation center while continuing her involvement with sports.
competition by Shirley Eson of American Gladiators
fame. Eson urged Jones to audition for the Gladiators-like Knights and Warriors
, and Jones got the part, becoming one of the few female warriors. Jones was also offered a position in professional wrestling
, but turned it down because, she said, it was "too fakey".
Knights and Warriors only lasted one season, but Jones' acting career was just starting. She became a bit actor
, playing small roles in several television series throughout the 1990s and 2000s and breaking into feature films in the late 1990s. While acting, she kept up her involvement with arm wrestling. In 1995, her biceps
measured 17+1/2 in.
Her first recurring role after Knights was as a character named "Dot" on the popular show Married... with Children
in the mid-90s. She appeared in five episodes over two seasons. Jones' next break was on the kids show Lizzie McGuire
as Coach Kelly. Since then, she has appeared in popular shows Nip/Tuck
, Desperate Housewives
, and Prison Break
, among others.
Jones, being a fan of Glee
and having worked with series co-creator Ryan Murphy on Nip/Tuck and Pretty/Handsome
, asked co-executive producer Brad Falchuk
during an encounter at a supermarket if she could be on the show. Soon after, the character of Coach Shannon Beiste was created for her.
Dot Jones appeared recently on Logo TV's RuPaul's Drag U
as a visiting professor during the second season of the show.
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
. She attended California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fresno, often referred to as Fresno State University and synonymously known in athletics as Fresno State , is one of the leading campuses of the California State University system, located at the northeast edge of Fresno, California, USA.The campus sits at the foot of...
, where she set records for shot put
Shot put
The shot put is a track and field event involving "putting" a heavy metal ball—the shot—as far as possible. It is common to use the term "shot put" to refer to both the shot itself and to the putting action....
. Jones is also a 15-time world arm wrestling
Arm wrestling
Arm wrestling is a sport with two participants. Each participant places one arm on a surface with their elbows bent and touching the surface, and they grip each other's hand...
champion. She currently has a recurring role on the musical, Glee
Glee (TV series)
Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues...
, as Shannon Beiste, for which she was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Early life
Dorothy-Marie Jones was born in 1964 in Turlock, CaliforniaTurlock, California
Turlock is a city in Stanislaus County, California, United States, part of the Modesto Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census, Turlock had a population of 80,549, up from 55,810 at the 2000 census, making it the second-largest city in Stanislaus County.-Geography:Turlock lies in the...
and was raised in Hilmar
Hilmar, California
Hilmar-Irwin is a census-designated place in Merced County, California, United States. The population was 5,197 at the 2010 census, up from 4,807 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
. She first got involved in strength competitions at a fairly young age. She started track in middle school, then experienced a huge growth spurt over nine months. The sudden addition of seven inches to her height weakened her back, so she started lifting weights to strengthen it. While she attended Hilmar High School, she was a champion weight lifter and named female athlete of the year. She started arm wrestling on a whim, and won her first arm wrestling world championship at 19 years old and went on to win 14 more.
After high school, Jones attended Modesto Junior College
Modesto Junior College
The Modesto Junior College is a community college located in Central Valley's Modesto, California.-Accreditation:Modesto Junior College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In January 2008, the Western Association Colleges and Schools notified the college that it had...
and Fresno State, where she continued her involvement with sports. She earned a scholarship in track which paid her way through junior college and university. She played softball
Softball
Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
and competed in shot put
Shot put
The shot put is a track and field event involving "putting" a heavy metal ball—the shot—as far as possible. It is common to use the term "shot put" to refer to both the shot itself and to the putting action....
and powerlifting
Powerlifting
Powerlifting is a strength sport. It resembles the sport of Olympic weightlifting, as both disciplines involve lifting weights in three attempts. Powerlifting evolved from a sport known as 'odd lifts' which followed the same three attempt format but used a wide variety of events akin to Strongman...
. She won All-America
All-America
An All-America team is an honorary sports team composed of outstanding amateur players—those considered the best players of a specific season for each team position—who in turn are given the honorific "All-America" and typically referred to as "All-American athletes", or simply...
honors in shot put both at junior college and university, was state champion in 1983 and 1984 and set the national record at the junior college level from 1983 to 1990. Jones qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1988 for shot put with a 56 foot throw, surpassing the qualifying mark of 55 ft (16.8 m). She finished sixth. During her sporting career, she suffered 11 knee injuries, bringing her height of down to . A knee replacement surgery gave her lost inch back. After college, Jones worked as a youth counselor at the Fresno County Juvenile Probation center while continuing her involvement with sports.
Acting career
Jones, who had no intentions of acting, was discovered at a bodybuildingBodybuilding
Bodybuilding is a form of body modification involving intensive muscle hypertrophy. An individual who engages in this activity is referred to as a bodybuilder. In competitive and professional bodybuilding, bodybuilders display their physiques to a panel of judges, who assign points based on their...
competition by Shirley Eson of American Gladiators
American Gladiators
American Gladiators is an American competition television program that aired in syndication from September 1989 to May 1996. The series matched a cast of amateur athletes against each other, as well as against the show's own gladiators, in contests of strength and agility.The concept was created by...
fame. Eson urged Jones to audition for the Gladiators-like Knights and Warriors
Knights and Warriors
Knights and Warriors was an American competition television program created in 1992 by its executive producer, Jerry Gilden, and produced by what at the time was known as the Welk Entertainment Group. Originating at CBS/MTM Studio Center in Studio City, California, the series was similar to...
, and Jones got the part, becoming one of the few female warriors. Jones was also offered a position in professional wrestling
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
, but turned it down because, she said, it was "too fakey".
Knights and Warriors only lasted one season, but Jones' acting career was just starting. She became a bit actor
Bit part
A bit part is a supporting acting role with at least one line of dialogue . In British television, bit parts are referred to as under sixes...
, playing small roles in several television series throughout the 1990s and 2000s and breaking into feature films in the late 1990s. While acting, she kept up her involvement with arm wrestling. In 1995, her biceps
Biceps
Biceps may refer to:*Biceps brachii muscle, a muscle located on the inside of the upper arm*Biceps femoris muscle, one of the hamstring muscles of the back of each thigh*Biceps , a point in a metrical pattern...
measured 17+1/2 in.
Her first recurring role after Knights was as a character named "Dot" on the popular show Married... with Children
Married... with Children
Married... with Children is an American surrealistic sitcom that aired for 11 seasons that featured a dysfunctional family living in Chicago, Illinois. The show, notable for being the first prime time television series to air on Fox, ran from April 5, 1987, to June 9, 1997. The series was created...
in the mid-90s. She appeared in five episodes over two seasons. Jones' next break was on the kids show Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie McGuire is an American teen sitcom which premiered on the Disney Channel on January 12, 2001 and ended February 14, 2004. A total of 65 episodes were produced and aired. Its target demographic was preteens and adolescents...
as Coach Kelly. Since then, she has appeared in popular shows Nip/Tuck
Nip/Tuck
Nip/Tuck is an American drama series created by Ryan Murphy, which aired on FX in the United States. The series focuses on McNamara/Troy, a plastic surgery practice, and follows its founders, Sean McNamara and Christian Troy...
, Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives is an American television comedy-drama series created by Marc Cherry and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. Executive producer Cherry serves as Showrunner. Other executive producers since the fourth season include Marc Cherry, Bob Daily, George W...
, and Prison Break
Prison Break
Prison Break is an American television serial drama created by Paul Scheuring, that was broadcast on the Fox Broadcasting Company for four seasons, from 2005 until 2009. The series revolves around two brothers; one has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, and the other devises an...
, among others.
Jones, being a fan of Glee
Glee (TV series)
Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues...
and having worked with series co-creator Ryan Murphy on Nip/Tuck and Pretty/Handsome
Pretty/Handsome
Pretty/Handsome is a 2008 television production by Nip/Tuck director–writer Ryan Murphy that was not picked up by FX, the television network which broadcasts Nip/Tuck.- Cast :* Joseph Fiennes as Bob Fitzpayne...
, asked co-executive producer Brad Falchuk
Brad Falchuk
Brad Falchuk is a television writer, director and producer. He is best known for his work on the television series Nip/Tuck, Glee, and American Horror Story.-Early life:...
during an encounter at a supermarket if she could be on the show. Soon after, the character of Coach Shannon Beiste was created for her.
Dot Jones appeared recently on Logo TV's RuPaul's Drag U
RuPaul's Drag U
RuPaul's Drag U is an American reality television series. Hosted by RuPaul and a team of drag queen "professors," Drag U is a spin-off of the series RuPaul's Drag Race...
as a visiting professor during the second season of the show.
Television
| Year | Show | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Knights and Warriors Knights and Warriors Knights and Warriors was an American competition television program created in 1992 by its executive producer, Jerry Gilden, and produced by what at the time was known as the Welk Entertainment Group. Originating at CBS/MTM Studio Center in Studio City, California, the series was similar to... |
Lady Battleaxe | Recurring role |
| 1994 | Full House Full House Full House is an American sitcom television series. Set in San Francisco, the show chronicles widowed father Danny Tanner, who, after the death of his wife, enlists his best friend Joey Gladstone and his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis to help raise his three daughters, D.J., Stephanie, and... |
Muscular woman | 1 episode: "I've Got a Secret" |
| Married... with Children Married... with Children Married... with Children is an American surrealistic sitcom that aired for 11 seasons that featured a dysfunctional family living in Chicago, Illinois. The show, notable for being the first prime time television series to air on Fox, ran from April 5, 1987, to June 9, 1997. The series was created... |
Dot | 2 episodes: "Business Sucks: Part 1", and "Business Still Sucks: Part 2" | |
| 1995 | Married... with Children Married... with Children Married... with Children is an American surrealistic sitcom that aired for 11 seasons that featured a dysfunctional family living in Chicago, Illinois. The show, notable for being the first prime time television series to air on Fox, ran from April 5, 1987, to June 9, 1997. The series was created... |
Dot | 2 episodes: "The Weaker Sex", "Reverend Al" |
| 1997 | Roseanne Roseanne (TV series) Roseanne is an American sitcom broadcast on ABC from October 18, 1988 to May 20, 1997. Starring Roseanne Barr, the show revolved around the Conners, an Illinois working class family... |
Black Widow | 1 episode: "Roseanne-Feld" |
| 1998 | Tracey Takes On... Tracey Takes On... Tracey Takes On... is an HBO sketch comedy series created by British-American comedienne Tracey Ullman.In 1993, Ullman returned to television after her hit Fox comedy series, The Tracey Ullman Show, was canceled, with two comedy specials for HBO. Tracey Ullman Takes On New York, and Tracey Ullman:... |
Female golfer | 1 episode: "Religion" |
| Dharma & Greg Dharma & Greg Dharma & Greg is an American television sitcom that aired from September 24, 1997, to April 30, 2002.It starred Jenna Elfman and Thomas Gibson as Dharma and Greg Montgomery, a couple who married instantly on their first date despite being complete opposites... |
Hey-19 | 1 episode: "Invasion of the Buddy Snatcher" | |
| Cybill Cybill Cybill is an American television sitcom created by Chuck Lorre, which aired on CBS from January 2, 1995 to July 13, 1998. Starring Cybill Shepherd, the series revolves around Cybill Sheridan, a twice-divorced single mother of two and struggling actress in her 40s, who has never gotten her show... |
Suspect #5 | 1 episode: "Daddy" | |
| 2000 | Chicago Hope Chicago Hope Chicago Hope is an American medical drama series created by David E. Kelley that ran from September 18, 1994, to May 5, 2000. It takes place in a fictional private charity hospital.-Premise:The show stars Mandy Patinkin as Dr... |
Death Angel | 1 episode: "Cold Hearts" |
| 2001 | Lizzie McGuire Lizzie McGuire Lizzie McGuire is an American teen sitcom which premiered on the Disney Channel on January 12, 2001 and ended February 14, 2004. A total of 65 episodes were produced and aired. Its target demographic was preteens and adolescents... |
Coach Kelly | 5 episodes: "Rated Aargh", "Scarlett Larry", "I've Got Rhythmic", "Pool Party", and "One of the Guys" |
| 2002 | She Spies She Spies She Spies is an action-adventure television show that ran from September 9, 2002 until May 17, 2004, in two seasons. The show was sold into syndication but the first four episodes premiered on the NBC network, whose syndication arm was one of the producers. Disappointing ratings during the show's... |
Leon | 1 episode: "Perilyzed" |
| 2004 | My Wife and Kids My Wife and Kids My Wife and Kids is an American television family sitcom that ran on ABC from March 28, 2001 until May 17, 2005. Produced by Touchstone Television , it starred Damon Wayans and Tisha Campbell-Martin, and centers on the character of Michael Kyle, a loving husband and modern-day patriarch who rules... |
Toni | 1 episode: "The Return of Bobby Shaw" |
| 2006 | The Suite Life of Zack and Cody The Suite Life of Zack and Cody The Suite Life of Zack & Cody is an American sitcom created by Danny Kallis and Jim Geoghan. The series premiered on Disney Channel on March 18, 2005 with 4 million viewers, making it the most successful premiere for Disney Channel in 2005. It was one of their first five shows available on the... |
Gretel | 1 episode: "Bowling" |
| Reba | Dot | 1 episode: "Let's Get Physical" | |
| 2008 | Pretty/Handsome Pretty/Handsome Pretty/Handsome is a 2008 television production by Nip/Tuck director–writer Ryan Murphy that was not picked up by FX, the television network which broadcasts Nip/Tuck.- Cast :* Joseph Fiennes as Bob Fitzpayne... |
Mario Wallas | Pilot |
| iCarly ICarly iCarly is an American sitcom that focuses on a girl named Carly Shay who creates her own web show called iCarly with her best friends Sam and Freddie. The series was created by Dan Schneider, who also serves as executive producer. It stars Miranda Cosgrove as Carly, Jennette McCurdy as Sam, Nathan... |
Prison guard | 1 episode: "iChristmas" | |
| 2009 | Nip/Tuck Nip/Tuck Nip/Tuck is an American drama series created by Ryan Murphy, which aired on FX in the United States. The series focuses on McNamara/Troy, a plastic surgery practice, and follows its founders, Sean McNamara and Christian Troy... |
Tess | 3 episodes: "Dawn Budge II Nip/Tuck (season 5) The fifth season of Nip/Tuck premiered on October 30, 2007 and concluded on March 3, 2009. The unusually lengthy interval, for an American series, was a direct result of the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike. The season consisted of 22 episodes.... ", "Allegra Caldarello Nip/Tuck (season 5) The fifth season of Nip/Tuck premiered on October 30, 2007 and concluded on March 3, 2009. The unusually lengthy interval, for an American series, was a direct result of the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike. The season consisted of 22 episodes.... ", and "Giselle Blaylock & Legend Chandler Nip/Tuck (season 5) The fifth season of Nip/Tuck premiered on October 30, 2007 and concluded on March 3, 2009. The unusually lengthy interval, for an American series, was a direct result of the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike. The season consisted of 22 episodes.... " |
| Desperate Housewives Desperate Housewives Desperate Housewives is an American television comedy-drama series created by Marc Cherry and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. Executive producer Cherry serves as Showrunner. Other executive producers since the fourth season include Marc Cherry, Bob Daily, George W... |
Prison guard | 1 episode: "Look Into Their Eyes and You See What They Know Look Into Their Eyes and You See What They Know "Look Into Their Eyes and You See What They Know" is the 106th episode of the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. It is the nineteenth episode of the show's fifth season and aired April 19, 2009. The episode was narrated by Nicollette Sheridan.... " |
|
| Prison Break Prison Break Prison Break is an American television serial drama created by Paul Scheuring, that was broadcast on the Fox Broadcasting Company for four seasons, from 2005 until 2009. The series revolves around two brothers; one has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, and the other devises an... |
Skittlez | 2 episodes: "The Old Ball and Chain" and "Free" | |
| 10 Things I Hate About You 10 Things I Hate About You (TV series) 10 Things I Hate About You is an American television situation comedy broadcast on ABC Family beginning in 2009. Developed by Carter Covington, the show is a half-hour, single camera series based on the 1999 film of the same name... |
Lunch Lady | Episode 14: "Meat is Murder" | |
| Scare Tactics | Dot | 2 episodes: "The Collector" and "Toxic Shock" | |
| 2010 | Cougar Town Cougar Town Cougar Town is an American television sitcom that premiered on ABC on September 23, 2009. The series focuses on a recently divorced woman in her forties facing the often humorous challenges, pitfalls and rewards of life's next chapter, along with her son, ex-husband, and friends who together make... |
Mugger | 1 episode: "What Are You Doing In My Life?" |
| Glee Glee (TV series) Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues... |
Shannon Beiste | Recurring role; 2010-present; Nominated - Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (2011) |
Feature films
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Patch Adams Patch Adams (film) Patch Adams is a 1998 comedy-drama film starring Robin Williams. Directed by Tom Shadyac, it is based on the life story of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams and the book Gesundheit: Good Health is a Laughing Matter by Adams and Maureen Mylander. The film is generally considered a box-office success,... |
Miss Meat | |
| 1999 | The Boondock Saints The Boondock Saints The Boondock Saints is a 1999 American action comedy film written and directed by Troy Duffy. The film stars Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus as Irish fraternal twins, Connor and Murphy MacManus, who become vigilantes after killing two members of the Russian Mafia in self-defense... |
Rosengurtle Baumgartener | |
| 2002 | Stray Dogs | Jolene Carter | |
| 2006 | Material Girls Material Girls Material Girls is a 2006 American satirical teen comedy film starring Hilary and Haylie Duff. It is based on a script written by John Quaintance and is directed by Martha Coolidge It also stars Anjelica Huston, Lukas Haas, and Brent Spiner... |
Butch Brenda | |
| 2009 | Prison Break: The Final Break Prison Break: The Final Break Prison Break: The Final Break is a 2009 television movie of the Prison Break franchise. It serves as the series finale of Prison Break. The movie aired May 27 in the United Kingdom on Sky1. In the United States and Canada, the movie was first released on DVD and Blu-ray on July 21, 2009... |
Skittlez | Made-for-television movie |
| 2010 | Bad Teacher Bad Teacher Bad Teacher is a 2011 comedy film directed by Jake Kasdan based on a screenplay by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, and starring Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, and Jason Segel... |
Cameo |